Jailbreak apps and tweaks have to updated just like apps you buy from the official App Store. While the process is a bit different, Cydia, the jailbreak app store, makes it pretty simple.

Much like the App Store, Cydia will let you know when you've got updates available for any apps installed on your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. If you see a little red badge on your Cydia icon, it probably means you've got updates waiting to install.

To install jailbreak app updates:

1. Launch Cydia
2. Tap on the Changes tab.

3. Look for Available Upgrades to see what's pending.
4. Tap on the Upgrade button at the top right to begin.
5. Restart your springboard, if needed, or return to Cydia

All of your apps and utilities should now be up to date and ready to go.

Note: If developers provide them, always check out the change logs before doing an update. There have been certain situations where an update may only be recommended for a certain device or firmware version. It doesn't happen often but it's always a good practice to read any release notes that come with any update a jailbreak utility may have.

That's it! You've updated your jailbreak content to the most current versions and you're good to go! If you run into any issues or have any questions, be sure to check out our other jailbreak resources below.

Additional jailbreak resources:

• Jailbreak news, how to's, and guides
• Genreal jailbreak help and discussion forums

Confession: Jeremy can't believe we're posting this, but after a bunch of forum questions, email queries, and a mini Twitter 'splosion, we figured we'd put this up as a public service message to the Jailbreak community.

First: don't panic.

Second: those strange little black icon badges that have suddenly popped up on your Phone, Email, iPod, and perhaps other apps? Yeah, that's because you installed Backgrounder, and that's how Backgrounder shows you which applications, built-in or user-enabled, are currently running background tasks (multitasking).

Third: enjoy.